For owls that are superb.
Photo by Ryan Humphrey
A young Long Eared Owl showing off its third eyelids. These are called nictitating membranes. They add extra protection to the eyes from physical damage and keep them most during flight.
Makeup artists everywhere taking notes...
I like the faces of the Long Ears so much already, and that bold black line just makes it all the more striking!
Third? Wouldn’t they be second?
Nope, they have 3!
They have an upper lid for blinking, a lower one for sleeping, and this one for protection.
Check out my old post and the comments for some more details and to see the possible vestigial human third eyelid!